We are rounding the bend to the last few days of the astrological year. Friday the 20th brings the spring equinox and the solar return to the No. One son of the zodiac, Aries. Aries energy is zesty and full of promise. The day and night hours equal each other, nature boasts its new vitality, and if we give in to the spirit of spring we are likewise refreshed. Let tired old ideas go so that you can be mentally lithe as the birds.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Usually you work hard to stay positive. You strive to see things from the best angle, and when you can't, you ask for help from optimistic people. Give yourself a break this week. You are, after all, a human being with a wide array of emotions. Just see things as you see them, without judging yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The destiny you want for yourself seems a little far-fetched, which is why it's good to keep it quiet. If you tell people and they don't agree you can make it, you'll be infected by their doubt. On the other hand, your private belief will make the impossible possible. You'll have to stretch to meet this fate, but meet it you will.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It may seem as though fun and laughter are luxuries this week. Luckily, you don't have to pursue happiness in order to find it. In fact, following your bliss might be the last thing on your mind these days. You're doing what you have to do because you know it's right. Happiness just happens to be one of the byproducts.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Though everyone has to find their individual path sooner or later, this is no time to strike out and wander on your own. Right now it would be a waste of time, as there are stellar opportunities at stake. Work from a guide. Cull your inspiration from those who have already been to the promised land and back.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It's simple to achieve lightheartedness. All that is required is that you stick with your own mission and let others deal with theirs. You can still offer to help, but when you do, you may realize that some people don't want help, only attention and permission to complain. Saturday brings a joyful, wondrous occurrence.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You really are finding it easier to be you, to like you and to enjoy the quirks of your own personality. Perhaps this is made easier because someone near you finds you entirely adorable. In April, make a decision about what to discard to get ready for a big addition to your life. Your career path weaves and winds in June, and you'll meet interesting and inspiring characters along the way. You earn double in July. You will be finished with a pesky problem for good in August — what a relief!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your personal rhythms change. Maybe you used to be a night person and suddenly you feel most productive in the morning. Or maybe the places that used to energize you seem stale and an entirely different environment gets you snapping along at an invigorating pace. Move with what feels natural.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Making improvements is practically effortless this week because you want what also happens to be the best for you. Even though technically there might be more work involved, it just feels fun to you. You could even acquire a taste for leafy green vegetables or literature that will last your whole life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're in top form. That said, all you can do is all you can do. When it works, great! If not, shrug it off. This is no time to start taking things personally. Assume that any opportunity you are not able to take advantage of wasn't meant for you. Keep reiterating that you are always in the perfect place at the right time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When you do what makes you feel comfortable, you make the world an easier place to inhabit for others, too. You create an environment around you that people can relate to and feel good in. You'll have guests and shouldn't be surprised if they never want to leave. Though inconvenient, this is a huge compliment.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You've been supportive of others — now turn those powerful thoughts toward your own endeavors. A reality check on Friday is liberating. You will find out the actual risk involved in an action so there will be no need for stress, worry or speculation. On Saturday, you will make your decision and then stand strong behind it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You know what's real when you see it. You're not afraid of frank truths and can quickly accept circumstances for what they are. However, your imagination is supercharged this week, too. Keep looking deeper into situations until you find the meaning, romance, poetry and harmony that you seek.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Oddly enough, people who are on top of the world and experiencing high-flying success may not be half as happy as those who are struggling. Much is going well for you now, but not all of it — and that's OK. Things don't have to be in perfect order for you to experience great joy. You'll laugh through the weekend.